The opening matchday of the UEFA Champions League group stage wraps up today, Thursday, with six matches on the schedule.
Several African players made headlines on this opening day, including Senegal’s Youssoupha Mbodji, the Slavia Prague defender who netted twice in the 2-2 draw against Bodø/Glimt.
Here are 5 things you need to know about the Senegalese wonderkid:
- He trained in his home country with PSG Academy Senegal, ASC Doolé, and ASC Aspa.
- He later joined the Thonon Évian youth academy but never had the opportunity to play for the first team.
- He managed to revive his career with Czech club Jihlava, where he played six matches and scored once.
- He was signed by Slavia Prague during the latest summer transfer window and pulled off the feat of scoring two goals in as many appearances.
- He has never had the chance to represent Senegal at youth international level.
Youssoupha Mbodji vs Bodø/Glimt:
🔴 First-ever start for Slavia Praha
☑️ Champions League debut
⚽️⚽️ Brace
21 years of age. What an incredible night for El Hadji Malick Diouf’s successor! 🇸🇳🔥 pic.twitter.com/HgDqKrdUjZ
— Crazy Nature (@CrazyNature6) September 18, 2025
